When one is downtrodden amidst the concrete staging of New York City, it is invariable the only saving grace for worn feet, is the warm refuse of a yellow knight. This was the case on this day, when I felt it to be a physically responsible decision to hail a taxi on 10th Avenue and 57th Street. Out of the invisible fog of chaos, there approached a Crown Victoria, it's right blinker serving as a beacon of light, or eye wink of sorts, as if to communicate to me "I got choo bro". Sighs of mental relief echoed in my frontal lobe as this hero of the street came to whisk me from my waried weariness. And so it was, as 5J42 rolled up next to me in a gentle roll, as if readying itself to be tied to a dock. I opened the door, and allowed my parties in tow entry into it's innermost sanctity. But alas, things seemed different. Now, I've ridden in a lot of cabs before, all blending into the next as is customary for some utilitarian experience, but in this instance, some mysteries were about to unfold. First off, I noted the driver spoke perfect English, devoid of any hint of birthright elsewhere, secondly, the driver said HELLO, and thirdly, a distinct audible sensation in the driver's voice, that hinted of motherly instincts. ALAS.....as I looked through the partition glass, to what was revealed to be one of New York City's rarest specimens; a female driver. I hate to say that, as if people keep count of such things, but one must admit, it is a noteworthy discovery. I would have named this discovery; however, I learned her parents beat me to it, and thus she was already named: Erin Samuelsen, AKA The Girly Cabbie. A part of her must get so sick of people always commenting about it. As I gave my destination, 9th Avenue and 36th Street, we rolled up to gentle speed, and in doing so, I asked, as I always do, about the mileage of the car and my usual segue into my ownership of similar automotive grace; it's damn near a script. 100% of the time, a driver either doesn't give a shit at all, or, feigns some sort of interest. Actually, let me make that about 80%, because there has been a few who were captivated by...wait, not captivated, but rather mildly interested/amused in my tales. Which is fine I might add, I have to remember at times, that this is their WORK, it would be like someone saying to me they bought an office chair from my office and really love it and write stories about it lol. Anyhow, on this occasion, once I revealed to the driver my idiocy, she actually proclaimed, to my utter surprise, to having read my blogs, with what I am hoping was an approval rating of at least two thumbs up. I was like 'no way!', she was like 'yes way!'.I mean, not like she had pin ups and posters hanging in her room of my car, but seriously now, one must admit, that hearing that, is like opening a package of Chuckles to share with a friend and they inform you they like the green one. Yes!

Now, I can't put in words the giddiness I had in my heart over finally meeting someone who actually has at least some knowledge of my taxi's existence. At least beyond those of whose throats I shove it down. Many of my friends are sick to death of it. Anyways, Erin told me she too, has a blog, which naturally outtrumps mine since SHE IS a NYC Taxi Driver, and gave me the info: www.girlycabbie.blogspot.com . More on this in a bit. As we were gabbing away, she was the maestro conductor of her cab, making the car dance from lane to lane with smooth grace which served as the strings section for her orchestra; the blinkers serving as a light drum tap. At times, her hands would summon the horns section when things got dramatic on the road - and executed with precision. You could feel the raw emotion of her genuine frustration each time a shithead would pull in front of her. Effortlessly, 5J42 would lead the pack and bear down on slower moving cars, the tick tock of the tires against potholes and cracks serving as the tympani. Instead of a medallion number on her roof, there should be a Treble Clef. Seriously, what a great trip. She was very friendly, and an excellent driver. You see, Erin gets it. Yeah, in a city of 9 million people, there are going to be many occasions you're going to pick up a self absorbed dickhead. But, what so many taxi drivers fail to understand, is that a NYC Taxi ride, really is so much more to so many people who climb in them. They are not *just* transportation to people. If you decide to think that you are nothing more than a rude ride, then that is exactly how you will be treated - and so will others. I know it comes as a GREAT SHOCK to some, but most of the people riding around in cabs, are um....this funny thing called visitors and tourists. (And quite frankly, most of NYC's residents, are big shots from Kentucky and Lake Wallapalooza who just moved there anyways). Riding in a taxi for a tourist, is often the one chance where it feels safe enough to talk to someone who knows something, about some stuff....in NEW YORK. I've written about this before, with my first taxi ride in New York back when I was a kid. I still remember him and I still remember the car. I've had so many dickhead taxi drivers in my life, and it's a shame, because I'm a big tipper dammit! LOL. Alright, enough about that. My point is, Erin did everything right. She was safe, alert, friendly, and got me to where I wanted to go without feeling like an inconvenience. So many more taxi drivers could learn a great deal from her, especially if they rely on tips. Hey, I'm a cop, and I've had a lot of shitheads in the back of my cars through the years that I didn't particularly like, but I still was friendly to them if they did decide to talk. I mean, it's fine if you don't, but really now, how often does a friendly taxi goofball like me climb in your car? Not often. Once we were dropped off, we snapped a pic, and I skeedaddled back to Vermont. When I got home, I naturally checked out her blog and to be perfectly honest, I was pissed off and embarrassed that I didn't have any knowledge of her write ups, because I thought I had seen them all. Typical google - put the bullshit and long closed ebay auctions on page one, and the good stuff on page 10,000. Anyhow, it's a wonderful blog of her adventures - nice little stories; I highly recommend them. There is no bravado or exaggerations of nuttiness, just simple pure stories of her travels. Check them out!www.girlycabbie.blogspot.com

When I got home, I told my Dominican Diva I had met another woman in New York and showed her the pic. She told me "that's nice, will you go to the store please I need some moisturizer and hair product." I was like, "hey, excuse me, did you hear what I said? I said I met another woman and we are both taxi afficionado's!" Ori simply said, "hurry, the store closes in 15 minutes." Okay, gloves off time, I told her "look, I'm sort of a superstar okay, she's read my stuff and she likes 8D69" - Her response: "14 minutes now, get going".

And off into the night, the yellow knight rides to summon the poor, the wretched, the tired, the blah blah blah. Makes me sad this last year 2011 Crown Victoria will be done as a NYC Taxi in one more year, and likely squished not to many years after. Maybe.....just *MAYBE*, Erin will buy it, paint it pink and take it out on the open road.And now, she will have pics of it while it was a New York City Taxi.Her steed in the wild west of the east.

What a great story, you have a way with words!
I know that driver, she happens to be my girlfriend... hehe.
Ive had a hack license myself since 2000, but I don't drive as much anymore seeing as I'm in school full time. I'm so happy that others can appreciate her almost as much as me ;) She's a natural at it, makes more "moola" than I ever did and loves chatting it up with passengers.
To her it's more than just a living, it's an adventure.
Thank you so much for making her day, she was going on and on about having you in the cab last night.

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:35:35 am

Ivan! Hey thanks so much for the comment; I guess you got yourself a keeper! I was super excited to meet her, I'm glad you support her carousing around all over the place in that cab of hers; I'm sure you have many notes to compare. Be well!

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Starr

4/23/2013 04:50:46 am

How cool, and you're right, for many a taxi ride is part of the whole experience so it is nice when you have a good one, even if you live there i would guess. I love your stories and rants and I checked out her blog to and its so much fun!

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:36:45 am

Thanks Starr - yeah while I've put my own mileage on in NY, I still believe one can never be so cool as to crank your head up there every now and then. Thank you so much for the compliment!

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Berry USA

4/23/2013 05:06:48 am

I love you and your taxi! Great blog too of hers, how awesome!

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:37:36 am

Thank you so much, as well as taking the time to flick out a comment - much appreciated -

Thanks Frank - she's amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my drivel and leave a comment - I appreciate it very much.

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Sevin

4/23/2013 05:39:06 am

While I first encountered your blog from your paralympic work, I admit I enjoy these tales of yours. I hope to someday visit New York and now hope I get the girly cabbie for a ride! Cheers from UK

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:39:31 am

Thanks Sevin - I always appreciate your keen insight into things - always very happy to have you on board!

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2008_P71

4/23/2013 05:49:49 am

This is awesome. Love the long wheel base Vics, lets hope she saves it brother! Definitely favorited her blog, will read more of it when I get home, it's good stuff

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:40:19 am

Since owning my own cab, I can't help but notice the difference when I look at my police car brethren....they look like midgets lol. Thanks buddy! -

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Barbara

4/23/2013 06:14:51 am

How interesting! I lived in New York for 15 years and only saw a female driver once while in traffic. Go girl!

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:41:46 am

Wow - All I know of female drivers is that one who wrote the book "Hack" - who still has a blog but doesn't do anything with it. She has sort of cornered the market on the "I'm a girl" taxi driver, but unlike Girly Cabbie, she acted like a 80 year veteran by week two. HAHA. Love them both though -

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brenda

4/23/2013 06:20:27 am

I never comment on blogs, but if you have had the rare privilege of meeting Erin you are a lucky guy. Not only is she an awesome cabbie (I partook in rides across the city in the back seat of her car before she was getting paid for it) but she is just an all around awesome person. To all tourists who might be reading this blog, or New Yorkers who happen upon her: celebrate the time you get... she is a ride worth taking!

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:44:00 am

Brenda - thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment attesting to your good friends' nature. I really feel very lucky to have been scooped up by Erin - really made my day for sure, even without the blog similarities. She just was super friendly and fun - which I like, since I don't usually like to be around people who are not lol. Thanks again - I really appreciate it.

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Kevin

4/23/2013 08:19:38 am

Do I smell a return of your former "famous" self, the Smart Ass Blog Kamikaze vs. Super Jabs? HAHAHA. This was cool!

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:45:19 am

HAHA - no, I'm afraid the Smart Ass Blog Kamikaze is a forgotten default of the 2000's. Definitely was fun though - even though no one on earth would know what a MySpace top blogger even is any longer lol. I don't even think I do anymore!?!

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donna

4/23/2013 09:20:24 am

another great stroy, when i ever get to NYC you must make sure she picks me up lol

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:46:54 am

Thanks Donna, always appreciate your taking the time to read and comment. Hopefully you do get her, versus whatever the hell else is that usually picks someone up. Although I have a few cabbie friends who I *believe* would be decent. But yeah Erin was great!

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Alex

4/23/2013 12:49:00 pm

Nice Mike!

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Mike

4/25/2013 05:47:28 am

Thanks Alex - I appreciate it!

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Author

This section of the site is not specific to my taxi travels. They are not really rants either. It is more of a space for me to simply raise awareness to topics that either inspire or frustrate me as an individual. Email: travelsinacab@gmail.com